JERUSALEM ARRIVES IN L.A.
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 May 2023
Filipino WBO minimumweight world champion Melvin 'Gringo' Jerusalem landed at the Tom Bradley International Airport in Los Angeles via Philippine Airlines Tuesday night (Wednesday in Manila) ahead of his first world title defense against Puerto Rican challenger Oscar Collazo on May 27 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.
Jerusalem was accompanied by his trainer Michael Domingo and Sanman/Zip stablemate Kevin Jake Cataraja. He was met at LAX by boxing supporters Christopher Arias, Albert Casas and Philboxing photographer Jhay Otamias.
Jerusalem (20-2-0, 12KOs) will be fighting for the first time in the US and will have experience advantage over Collazo (6-0-0, 4KOs) who turned pro only in 2020. Collazo however has a stellar amateur experience and won the gold medal in the 2019 Pan American Games.
Collazo has been pushed aggressively by his promoters Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions believing that the pint-sized Puerto Rican will be a future star. Former Filipino world champion Vic Salurdar was one of his victims in his young pro career. He defeated Mexican contender Yudel Reyes, then 15-1, in his last fight to get a shot at Jerusalem.
Jerusalem won the WBO belt by knocking out Masataka Taniguchi in the second round on Jan. 6, 2023 in Osaka, Japan. He previously challenged then WBC champion Wanheng Meenayothin of Thailand in 2017 and lost by a very close decision.
L-R: Kevin Jake Cataraja, Jerusalem, Christopher Arias, Albert Casas and Michael Domingo at LAX on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 upon Team Jerusalem's arrival from Manila. Photo by Jhay Otamias.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Can Tapales Overpower Oguni to Increase his Chances of Another World Title Fight?
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 02 Apr 2026BROWN-DUCAR PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AHEAD OF FRIDAY'S ALTRINCHAM FIGHT NIGHT
Thu, 02 Apr 2026Wise Owl Boxing Makes Headlines Again with Signing of Former World Champion Julio Cesar “El Rey” Martinez
Thu, 02 Apr 2026Santiago-Taniguchi Final Presser
Wed, 01 Apr 2026Jimuel in Action on Friday!
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 01 Apr 2026“Rumble in the Une” Makes History in Union City with Star-Studded Fight Card Headlined by Jacob Macalolooy
Wed, 01 Apr 2026Is Floyd chickening out?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 01 Apr 2026Bacaro to challenge Toyoshima on April 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 01 Apr 2026IBA steps forward as potential organiser for Bivol vs Beterbiev trilogy bout
Wed, 01 Apr 2026PBF president Almario dies
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 01 Apr 2026Portland Trail Blazers have new owner after $4.25 billion sale
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 01 Apr 2026PH chess wizard seven-year old Noah Lucas Palcis finishes second in Bangkok chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 01 Apr 20262 Time World Champion Marcos Maidana Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 01 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 MARCH 2026: Itauma Destroys Franklin in 5; Fundora Dismantles Thurman in 6
By Eric Armit, Tue, 31 Mar 2026Panamanian WBC Judge Jesus Aleman murdered in Panama
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 31 Mar 2026